Hartford, CT – Monday, September 22, 2025  – reSET, Connecticut's leading hub for growing impact-driven businesses throughout Hartford, New Haven, and statewide, is proud to introduce the ten businesses participating in the fifth cohort of the Floor–Plan Retail Incubator this fall. The program, offered in partnership with Hartford-based Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, equips local founders with the tools to launch, grow, and thrive in today’s retail landscape. 

The Incubator will culminate in a public Pop Up and Pitch event on November 19 in Hartford where the community can meet these innovative entrepreneurs and experience their products firsthand. Save the date to join us for this exciting showcase of Connecticut's emerging retail businesses!

"This creative group of entrepreneurs are building businesses that serve their communities while also reflecting the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment," said Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. “This cohort brings the total number of retail businesses supported via the program to 60 and over 65 entrepreneurs since its launch in 2021."

"From children's literature to natural hair care, this cohort showcases the resilience, creativity, and social awareness that define entrepreneurship in the region," commented Ndubisi Okeke, reSET Program Manager. “reSET’s Retail Incubator programming is designed to get them ready for holiday sales and sustainable operations into the future, building businesses with impact.”

Comprehensive Support for Connecticut Entrepreneurs

The Floor–Plan Retail Incubator reflects reSET's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who are building businesses that create positive community impact. Participants gain access to experienced mentors, legal and financial support, peer networks, and real-world opportunities to test and refine their business models. At the conclusion of the program, participants are eligible to apply for a $700 small business grant, made possible through funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

Introducing The Ten Businesses in This Year's Floor–Plan Retail Incubator:

Lainverse, founded by Elaine Bertram, is an alternative vegan candle brand focused on sustainability and inclusivity.

Posh Paint, led by Candace Donaldson, is a mobile paint party business serving the Hartford community for nearly a decade, specializing in interactive art experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and joy while partnering with schools and nonprofits for community impact.

TYLERCLUB29, founded by Lucius Downey, is a learning academy providing valuable educational resources including books, applications, and games, with a focus on children's literature.

Invincible Beauty LLC, led by Shian Earlington, empowers women through beauty, confidence, and creativity, offering beauty services, marketing support, and community-building, with a special focus on supporting women of color.

Glossebyaliyahh, founded by Aliyah Graham, provides professional makeup artistry and esthetician services, specializing in soft glam and full glam looks while exploring advanced editorial and fashion makeup techniques.

Hapinapi, led by Colleen Hudson, creates natural, concentrated hair tea brewed with 13 different herbs that stimulates scalp growth, detangles knots, provides hydration, and softens hair.

Kobo Studio, founded by Hanae Ko, is a female-owned, Asian-American-owned small business creating original cat-themed gifts including stickers, pins, magnets, tote bags, and tea towels, with a focus on supporting cat rescues and community impact.

Montage Station + Co., led by Anne Powers, is an experiential brick-and-mortar retail store in Hamden, CT, redefining retail as a modern neighborhood mercantile that celebrates everyday life through curated goods, creative spaces, and design services.

Hey Valentine, founded by Cassie Valentine, creates and sells personalized, laser-made gifts available for quick customization and shipping through heyvalentineshop.com.

Bok Choy Studios, helmed by Hendrick Xiong, is a multi-faceted art project by a Chinese-American working artist, featuring donation-based art workshops, independent zine publishing, and Pay-What-You-Can graphic design services.

About the Floor–Plan Retail Incubator

The Floor–Plan Retail Business Incubator is now in its fifth year as a partnership between reSET and Hartford-based Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, a community activation studio. The three-month program provides entrepreneurial technical support to early-stage retail businesses, helping participants understand customer needs, define pricing strategies, address key legal and financial topics, and prepare for new market opportunities. Entrepreneurs gain insights from industry experts, access a supportive community, and receive practical tools to enhance their business acumen. 

About reSET

Founded in 2007, reSET is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. In February 2025, reSET acquired New Haven-based Collab, combining complementary strengths to create a more robust ecosystem for impact-driven entrepreneurs throughout the region. reSET specializes in social enterprise — impact-driven businesses with double or triple bottom lines — providing coworking space, accelerator programs, and mentoring services that inspire innovation and community collaboration. To date, reSET and Collab have assisted over 500 small businesses to start and grow with impact, and reached thousands more through low-touch supports. Visit resetco.org to learn more.

About Breakfast Lunch & Dinner



Breakfast Lunch & Dinner is a Hartford-based community activation firm dedicated to building stronger communities through innovative programming and strategic partnerships that support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

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